Police had been asked to launch a special drive for checking pollution from vehicles entering the capital.

A report by the CSE warned that the "high and extreme toxic" pollution levels in Delhi were a "clear health hazard" and that there was already evidence of residents suffering from severe respiratory ailments.

The organisation blamed the rise in pollution mainly on a huge increase in the number of vehicles in the city, particularly diesel-driven cars.

Delhi's government introduced greener fuels for public transport in 2000 to control air pollution but the levels have continued to rise.

"Delhi has already exhausted all soft options to tackle pollution. The city needs emergency-level action to reduce the growing pollution in its air," the CSE said.

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